Curtis Harris showed exemplary character and compassion when he came to the aid of a fallen coworker at Trinity Medical Center. (courtesy of Curtis Harris)

Around this time of year, I'm often asked if I get homesick for my home state of Virginia. I definitely miss my longtime friends and and my immediate family but I'm so grateful for the family I have right here in Birmingham.

My wife was born and raised here so her roots are firmly embedded in Magic City soil. Her family was very active in the civil-rights movement and they've passed those lessons of tolerance and brotherhood to younger generations.

I'm so proud my brother-in-law learned those lessons well.

A year or so ago, Curtis Harris, known to us as C.J., worked at Trinity Medical Center as a heath information management clerk. One evening, on his way to the parking lot, a disturbing image caught his eye.

One of Trinity's prominent doctors was laid out in a hallway.

C.J. called out to the doctor but didn't get a response. Immediately, C.J. rushed over and saw that the doctor's face was blue. He wasn't breathing.

C.J. leapt to action. He grabbed a nearby phone and instructed the operator to send help. C.J. stayed with the ailing doctor until the treatment team arrived. In what he said looked like a scene from a medical TV show, the team swarmed in, loaded the doctor on a stretcher and carried him off.

The next day, C.J. learned that, thanks to his actions, the doctor was fine. C.J. even met the doctor and his wife, who both expressed their profound gratitude for his swift actions.

Here's the great thing about C.J.: He's not the type to brag about his accomplishments. In fact, I didn't learn about the story until about three weeks later and it was my mother-in-law who filled me in, not C.J. When I asked why he kept such a powerful story to himself, he basically said that he didn't feel like he did anything special. He just did what anyone would do.

I think he's selling himself short. Just look at how the events unfolded: He didn't shy away from danger, he responded quickly and calmly, stayed with the fallen doctor until help arrived and he didn't expect anything in return but the well-being of his fellow man. That level of character isn't common but should be commended.

When C.J. came into work that day he didn't know he'd save a life. But because of the traits that were instilled in him, he was up for the challenge.

C.J. is caring, compassionate, quick to respond and hesitant to take credit - traits that make him an exceptional young man.

I'm so proud to call him family.

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